Leoner "Lee" DaSilva (79) was born the second of five children to Felisberto and Maria DaSilva on May 3, 1926. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 8, 2005. Lee attended elementary school at the original Arcola School and graduated from Madera High in 1944.

In 1952 mutual friends introduced Lee to Anna Terzian of Sanger and a courtship began immediately. In September of 1953 they were married and began a life together that was truly blessed. Their first son, Chris was born in 1954 followed by Tom in 1956.

Soon after their marriage Lee left the family dairy and began working as welder for Central Valley Pipe in Fresno. In a matter of few years Lee had been promoted through the ranks to become plant manager.

In 1962 Anna was working for Rogers Materials Co as the office manager when the companys owner, Bill Rogers, decided that the time was right to sell the business. Lee and Anna bought the company for the price of a small car in todays money, fulfilling their dream of owning their own business.

With two old trucks and a worn out batch plant they immediately changed the name to Lees Concrete Materials Company and went to work. It didnt take long for Lee and Anna to make Lees Concrete one of the largest and most successful ready mix concrete companies in the central valley.

In 1989 Lees son Tom left General Dynamics were he had worked as an engineer to take over managing the concrete plant. It was time for Lee and Anna to gently ease into retirement. Toms wife, Deirdre who also worked at General Dynamics as a mathematician, took over the office and bookkeeping responsibilities.

Lee began this new chapter of his life by pursuing his passion of antique cars and restoration, transforming essentially what where old junkers into vehicles that were as good as new. He spent many enjoyable hours in his restoration shop with a cadre of buddies who shared his enthusiasm for old cars.

At the time of his death he had nearly completed the restoration of a 1922 Diamond Reo truck. Since many of the parts need for the Reo were not available, he meticulously fabricated them himself. His canary yellow 1953 El Dorado convertible was in constant demand for parade appearances. It cruised down Yosemite Avenue many times, most always with a politician riding in the back seat.

Lee always believed in supporting those who supported him. Countless local charitable organizations, especially those with a focus on youth, benefited from his generosity. In 1983, Lee decided that the seating capacity of the Madera High School stadium was inadequate. He felt strongly that the stadium should be expanded so he set about organizing an effort to add another 2500 seats. At the completion of the two year project stadium capacity was expanded to accommodate 7,500 people, allowing Madera High to host play off games.The project was done at no cost to the school, with Lee leading the way by donating most of the materials and labor.

Supporting the Madera Community Hospital was also a priority for Lee, as was the Madera County Historical Society and VFW of which he was a lifetime member. Lee rarely declined a request for help from any organization, especially if they were local.

During his 40 plus years as a prominent businessman and civic leader Lees forward thinking produced for Madera several businesses enterprises that continue to enhance the quality of life to this day. In 1967 Lee and a partner developed the Westgate Convalescent Home, Maderas first. In the early 70s the Madera City Planning Commission, with Lee serving as its chairman, approved the citys first shopping center, Bethard Square. In 1973 Lee and a partner developed the Madera Valley Inn that they continued to own and operate until 1999. He established the Buggy Shower Car Wash in 1976. In 1979 Lee provided the financial guarantee that allowed his son Chris to open Maderas first modern health club, Studio 47 Gym and Spa which would later become the Madera Athletic and Racquet Club, now Golds Gym.

Lee is survived by his wife Anna, his sister Mabel Lang of Burlingame, brothers Robert, Mario, and Tom of Madera, their spouses Laura, Janet, and Mary Louise, all of Madera. Sons Chris and Tom, their spouses Melisa and Deirdre. Grand children Lauren, Juliana, Alexandra, and Jonathan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the entire staff of the Madera Community Hospitable who provided such excellent care to Lee during his final days. In particular, heartfelt thanks go to Mary Farrell. Her support and compassion during the final hours will never be forgotten.

In accordance with Lees instructions there will be no service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Madera Community Hospital Foundation.